The mission of the Oblates of Saint Mary's Abbey is simply to share in the prayer and works of the monastery with which they are affiliated. Oblates grow in Christian spirituality by following the Rule of St. Benedict as best as is reasonable, typically while living outside the monastic enclosure.

At St. Mary’s Abbey, oblates fulfill their mission by meeting monthly, attending an annual retreat, and regularly visiting the abbey for prayer. Some of our oblates, for example, participate in Sunday liturgies as Eucharistic ministers or lectors, and some live and work on campus.